Ayurvedic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
Abstract
Buttocks consist of various muscles and nerves at their deeper side. The Piriformis muscle is also present at the deeper side of the buttocks along with many other muscles. The Piriformis muscle passes from the greater sciatic notch to the femur head. This muscle helps in the movement of the lower body. It also helps to stabilize the hip joint and hold all the movements of the legs especially while lifting and rotating legs. Tightening of the piriformis muscle due to any cause can lead to compression of nearby nerves along with the sciatic nerve, which can lead to Piriformis Syndrome. Women are affected more than men. The ratio of occurrence of Piriformis Syndrome in women and men is 6:1. In this article we will discuss several causes, symptoms, and ayurvedic treatment of Piriformis Syndrome.
Introduction
Piriformis Syndrome is a rare neuromuscular condition that occurs due to the tightening of muscles (piriformis muscle) and compression of nerves (Sciatic nerve). This condition is also known as piriformis impingement, wallet neuritis, or deep gluteal syndrome. Trauma to the muscles can cause inflammation that can lead to nerve compression. Pain in some cases could be similar to hamstring origin tendinopathy, but a differential diagnosis is made to rule out the exact condition.
Constipation could prove detrimental in this disease because it can put pressure on the nerves and increase tenderness in muscles which can lead to more compression on the sciatic nerve. Thus constipation is needed to be managed in such conditions.
Piriformis Syndrome is classified into two types
- Primary Piriformis Syndrome (15% cases)
- Secondary Piriformis Syndrome (50% cases)
Ayurvedic Aspect
According to Ayurveda, we can consider Piriformis Syndrome as a ‘Vataja Vyadhi’. Aggravation of Vata in the piriformis muscle and Gradhrasi Nadi (sciatic nerve) can cause this disorder. The imbalance of Vata dosha is the main cause of pain in the gluteal region in this condition. Vata aggravates due to continuous practice of Vata vardhak aahar and Vihaar. The Vaat aggravation can also impact brain nerves and cause tension in the whole body, making it difficult to recover. Treatment in Ayurveda includes medications to relieve pain and inflammation along with brain relaxants. Constipation (Kabaj) being a trigger point for pain and compression is also managed to relieve the symptoms.
Causes
Piriformis Syndrome occurs mainly due to traumas in the buttock region that cause inflammation, spasm, tightness in piriformis muscles and. Anatomic variations or hypertrophy of the Piriformis muscle can lead to Piriformis Syndrome. Traumas to piriformis muscle can occur due to many reasons
- Long-standing
- Running
- Direct compression
- Repetitive trauma
- Ischemic mass effect
- Shortening of muscle
- Intragluteal injection
- Bursitis of the piriformis muscle
- Lifting weight
- Sacroiliac joint disorders
- Muscles wasting
- Tumor
- Twisting and bending of legs
- Lumbar and sacroiliac joint pathologies</li >
- Neoplasm in infrapiriform foramen region
- Sacroiliac lipoma
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain in the hip region, calf muscles, foot, and thigh. Other symptoms are
- Tingling sensations
- Tenderness
- Numbness
- Limp while walking
- Pain radiating to nearby regions
- Restricted motions of the hip joint
- Pain triggers while climbing, running
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and neurological history are performed to determine the movement of the leg, hip, and irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Hip abduction test
- Trendelenburg sign
- Deep tendon reflex testing
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Radiological tests
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Treatment
The basic treatment for Piriformis Syndrome is
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroidal injections
- Physical therapies
Joint mobilization, stretching, muscle energy techniques
Exercises
- Gluteal stretch for piriformis syndrome
- Resisted hip abduction for Piriformis Syndrome
- Partial curl for Piriformis Syndrome
- Calm exercise for Piriformis Syndrome, etc.
- Iontophoresis – Therapy in which an electric current is used to treat the condition
- Surgery (to relieve the pressure on nerves due to lipoma mass, tumor, etc). But these treatment modalities show short-term results.
Herbal remedies for Piriformis Syndrome By Planet Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicines are used to suppress the condition of the patient. Planet Ayurveda provides effective treatment for Piriformis Syndrome. Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medicine manufacturing company in India. Their products are 100% pure and are made from standardized extracts of various medicinal herbs. Our company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using the products and medicines. Medicines are prepared according to government guidelines. Ayurveda medicines for Piriformis Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda are
1. Ajmodadi Churna
This churna consists of Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Vayavidanga (Embelia ribes), Saindhava namak (Rock salt), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Pippal (Ficus religiosa), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Haritki (Terminalia chebula), etc. This is a powerful medicine for joint disorders. It heals Vata and Kapha dosha. It is used for relieving pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, spondylitis, etc disorders.
Dosage- Have 1 tsp two times daily with water
2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
This ayurvedic medicines consist of swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Rajat bhasma (Silver calx), Prawal (Coral calcium), Muktashukti bhasma (Pearl calx), etc. It is mainly used in disorders due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. It relieves symptoms like nerves and muscle twitching in Piriformis Syndrome because of its herbal and mineral ingredients.
Dosage- Have 1 tablet twice daily.
3. Boswellia Curcmin
This patent formulation is prepared with Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and also act as an antioxidant. Their anti-inflammatory action helps ease bone and joint inflammatory diseases. Boswellic acid and curcuminoids present in these capsules work by inhibiting topoisomerase and reducing brain edema, which helps release brain relaxants and reduce tension because of pain.
Dosage- Have 2 capsules twice daily
4. Yograj Guggul
This is a polyherbal preparation of Vidang (Embelia ribes), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Ajwain (Carum copticum), etc. Yograj guggul has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to pacify Vata dosha and helps in relieving pain and swelling. It also works on muscle spasms. Thus offering free movement of the joints.
Dosage- Take 2 tablets with water daily.
5. Stress Support Capsules
This polyherbal support system is prepared from the standard extracts of the herbs – Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs help to relieve stress and depressive mood. These capsules act on brain cells and improve the thinking of the person which will relax and calm the mind which helps in easy recovery.
Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.
Conclusion
Piriformis Syndrome is a clinical condition that affects many people, more females. Although it may not always be present in the same way. The symptoms, prakriti, and condition of the patient are checked to analyze the best line of treatment and get the best results. Yoga, abhyang, diet, and lifestyle modification are done and many more modalities along with herbal medicines are prescribed to the patient for an effective and side-effect free recover. For any query visit us at www.planetayurveda.com
